IT202100010784A1 - CONTROL DEVICE FOR A BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE AND ASSOCIATED CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

annexed to a patent application for INDUSTRIAL INVENTION PATENT entitled:

?Control device for a beverage vending machine and associated control method?

field of technique

The present invention pertains to the sector of beverage vending machines, and also belongs to the field of electronics associated with these machines. The present invention relates in particular to a control device for a beverage dispensing machine.

Known art

Beverage vending machines are typically semi-automatic or automatic machines, typically suitable for being placed on a floor or on a support during use. Vending machines can be intended for indoor applications or for outdoor applications.

Known beverage dispensing machines comprise a body which defines a beverage dispensing area. In correspondence with the beverage dispensing area, a drink? dispensed into a beverage container, such as a glass or cup. Such a beverage container ? a disposable type container, typically made of plastic and/or laminated food paper.

The beverage dispensing machines comprise a user interface able to allow the user to select the type of beverage to be dispensed.

In some cases, the drinks vending machines are also? include a? unit? payment, what? intended to allow the user to pay for the selected drink. Only after the completion of the payment, this drink can? then be disbursed.

Beverage dispensing machines can be configured to dispense a selected beverage into a container provided by the machine itself, by means of a servo-actuated container dispensing system.

In some cases it can will the will occur? or need? by a user to use his own container to collect the beverage dispensed by the beverage vending machine. In this case the user cannot? use the drink vending machine. In fact, if the user used the aforementioned machine with its own beverage container, a congestion of containers would arise in the beverage dispensing area (due to the automatic dispensing of the disposable container) which would lead to an alarm and/or malfunction of the beverage vending machine.

Purposes

A purpose of this disclosure ? that of providing a control device for a beverage dispensing machine, and a relative associated method, which allows the drawbacks described above to be solved.

In particular, ? an object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device for a beverage vending machine, and a relative associated method, which allows the user to be able to choose whether to receive the selected beverage in its own beverage container introduced into the area of beverage dispensing or, alternatively, whether to receive the selected beverage in a beverage container dispensed from the beverage vending machine.

AND? a further object of the present disclosure is to describe a control device for a beverage vending machine, and a related associated method, which can be installed on pre-existing beverage vending machines, thereby making the beverage vending machine more user friendly. flexible in its functionality.

AND? a further object of the present disclosure is to describe a control device for a beverage vending machine, and a relative associated method, which is simple to install, and in particular can be installed inside the body of the beverage vending machine.

AND? a further object of the present disclosure is to describe a control device for a beverage dispensing machine, and a related associated method, which allows an adjustment of the price paid for dispensing the beverage according to the use of a beverage container user-provided or not.

AND? a further object of the present disclosure is to describe a control device for a beverage dispensing machine, and a relative associated method, which allows to precisely verify whether the container for beverages, supplied by the user, is ? actually present or not in the beverage dispensing area.

AND? a further object of the present disclosure is to describe a control device for a beverage vending machine, and a relative associated method, which allows to allow a reduction of the environmental impact deriving from the use of beverage vending machines using containers for beverages disposable type.

Summary

These and further objects are achieved by a control device (1000) for a beverage dispensing machine and by a control method which are described here according to some of their salient aspects. These aspects may be combined with each other or with portions of the detailed description.

According to a first aspect, is a control device (1000) described for a beverage dispensing machine (1), said control device being intended to be installed on a beverage dispensing machine (1)? but the beverage vending machine being fully functional and the control device, once installed, modifying one or more? functionality? of the beverage vending machine (1) - and including:

- a presence sensor (101) configured to detect the presence of a beverage container (3) in a beverage dispensing area (4) of the beverage vending machine (1), and having at least a first determined state, in use , by a presence of said beverage container (3) and a second state determined, in use, by an absence of said beverage container (3);

- a?unit? processing unit (100) operatively connected to the presence sensor (101) and configured to be operatively connected with a unit? for control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) of the beverage vending machine (1); in which the? unit? of data processing (100) ? configured for:

- locate when the drink vending machine (1) ? activated to perform a distribution of a drink (2);

- cause a transmission of a beverage container delivery cut-off signal (3) to the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the first state;

- allow the beverage vending machine (1), in particular the unit? for controlling (10) the dispensing of beverage containers (3), dispensing a beverage container (3) and dispensing said beverage (2) within the distributed beverage container (3), when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the unit? of data processing (100) ? configured to be installed interposed between a? unit? data processing (9) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? control (10) commanded by? unit? data processing system (9) for the selective dispensing of beverage containers (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the unit? of data processing (100) ? configured to block a beverage container delivery stop signal (3) from the unit? of data processing (9) and/or for not transmitting a signal of interruption of dispensing of beverage containers (3) towards said unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state, or ? configured to transmit an authorization signal for the dispensing of beverage containers towards said unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state, in order to allow the beverage dispensing machine (1) to dispense a beverage container (3) and dispense said beverage (2) into said beverage container (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the control device (1000) comprises a first configuration of operative interaction with the operation of the beverage vending machine (1) determined by the first state of the presence sensor (101) and in which the control device (1000) alters, in use, a normal operation of the beverage vending machine (1), and a second operational transparency configuration with the beverage vending machine (1) operation determined by the second state and in which the control device ( 1000) does not alter, in use, normal operation of the beverage vending machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the control device (1000) ? configured to be operationally connected, optionally operationally interposed, between a? unit? data processing (9) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3). In particular, the connection being wired (and possibly of the removable type, for example by means of detachable connectors).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the control device (1000) ? configured to be operationally connected, optionally operationally interposed, between a?unit? data processing (9) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? payment (11) of the beverage vending machine (1). In particular, the connection being wired (and possibly of the removable type, for example by means of detachable connectors).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the unit? of data processing (100) ? configured to transmit a discount signal, optionally towards a?unit? of payment (11) of the beverage dispensing machine (1), when the presence sensor (101) ? in the first state.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, said discount signal ? intended to cause an? Electronic and automatic alteration of a price requested by the beverage vending machine (1), optionally by the unit? of payment (11), optionally in which said electronic and automatic alteration determines a reduction of the price for the dispensing of the drink (2) from a first and more? high value to a second and more? low value.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the control device (1000) comprises a connection cable (104) with the unit? payment (11) connected with the? unit? of data processing (100), and the unit? of data processing (100) ? configured to transmit said discount signal on said connection cable (104) with the unit? of payment (11).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the control device (1000) comprises a cable (105) for managing the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers connected with the unit? of data processing (100), and the unit? of data processing (100) ? configured to transmit said beverage container dispensing interruption signal (3) on said unit management cable (105); control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers, and/or the unit? of data processing? configured to transmit said authorization signal for the dispensing of beverage containers (3) on said cable (105) for managing the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the control device (1000) comprises a master cable (103) connected with the unit? data processing unit (100), said master cable (103) being configured to be connected with a unit? data processing system (9) of the beverage vending machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, said control device (1000) ? configured to be installed on a beverage vending machine (1), optionally in a removable way.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the presence sensor (101) comprises a photocell or a photodetector.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the photocell ? a diffuse sensor, optionally a diffuse sensor.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the presence sensor (101) operates by emitting electromagnetic radiation, in particular optical radiation, in a predetermined spectrum of wavelengths; said predetermined spectrum of wavelengths optionally comprising wavelengths in the infrared range.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, said presence sensor (101) ? operationally connected with the? unit? of data processing (100).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the presence sensor (101) ? configured to be installed substantially in correspondence with a beverage dispensing area (4) of the beverage dispensing machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the presence sensor (101) ? configured to transmit a state signal indicative of at least said first state or said second state, optionally wherein said presence sensor (101) ? configured to transmit said status signal towards said unit? of data processing (100), optionally directly towards said unit? of data processing (100).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the control device (1000) comprises a detection cable (102), connected with the unit? data processing (100); said detection cable (102) being configured to be connected with the presence sensor (101).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, said identification cable (102) ? intended to transmit, in use, said status signal.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the unit? of data processing (100) ? configured to memorize a specific threshold time (T0) indicative of a permanence of the presence sensor (101) in the first state, and ? configured to measure a residence time (t) of the presence sensor (101) in said first state, optionally in which the residence time (t) ? a continuous and/or uninterrupted permanence time of the presence sensor (101) in said first state.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the unit? of data processing (100) ? configured to automatically perform an electronic comparison between the threshold time (T0) and the permanence time (t) of the presence sensor (101) in said first state; said unit? data processing system (100) being configured to cause the transmission of said beverage container delivery interruption signal (3) when said residence time (t) exceeds the threshold time (T0).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, called threshold time (T0) ? included in the range 200-800ms, preferably in the range 300-700ms, preferably in the range 400-600ms, more? preferably being substantially equal to 500ms.

Method

In accordance with this disclosure? described herein a control method of a beverage vending machine (1), the method comprising:

- a step for identifying an activation of the beverage dispensing machine (1) to dispense a beverage;

- a step for identifying the presence or absence of a container for drinks (3) by means of a presence sensor (101), said step for identifying the presence or absence of said container for drinks (3) comprising a electronic check of a state of the presence sensor (101), in particular an electronic check of whether the presence sensor (101) is in a first state determined, in use, by a presence of the beverage container (3), or in a second state determined, in use, by an absence of said beverage container (3);

- a transmission, following the identification phase, of a signal for interrupting the dispensing of beverage containers (3) towards a unit? control system (10) of the delivery of beverage containers (3) of the beverage vending machine (1), said transmission taking place when said presence sensor (101) ? in the first state,

- an authorisation, for the beverage dispensing machine (1), in particular for the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3), to distribute a beverage container (3) and to dispense said beverage (2) into the distributed beverage container (3), when the presence sensor (101 ) ? in the second state.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the said method ? realized through an operative connection between a control device (1000) for a beverage dispensing machine (1) and said beverage dispensing machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the operative connection between the control device (1000) for a beverage dispensing machine (1) and said beverage dispensing machine (1) causes the execution of at least said identification step, said step identification code and of said transmission step of said beverage container dispensing interruption signal (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the control device (1000) comprises a first configuration of operative interaction with the operation of the beverage vending machine (1) determined by the first state of the presence sensor (101) and in which the control device (1000) alters, in use, a normal operation of the beverage vending machine (1), and a second operational transparency configuration with the beverage vending machine (1) operation determined by the second state and in which the control device ( 1000) does not alter, in use, a normal operation of the beverage vending machine (1), and said method comprises placing the control device (1000) in said first operational interaction configuration to perform transmission of said interrupt signal of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) towards the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) of the beverage vending machine (1) and/or comprises placing the control device (100) in said second operational transparency configuration to perform the authorization, for the machine beverage vending machine (1), in particular for the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3), to dispensing a beverage container (3) and to dispensing said beverage (2) into the dispensed beverage container (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the control device (1000) ? a control device (1000) according to one or more? of the aspects described here.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the transmission of the container dispensing interruption signal ? performed by a? unit? processing unit (100) of a control device (1000) for a beverage dispensing machine (1), in which the unit? of data processing (100) ? operationally connected with this unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the authorization comprises a failure to transmit the signal for interrupting the delivery of containers for beverages (3) when the presence sensor (101) is activated. in the second state, and/or the method comprises, in said authorization, the transmission of an authorization signal for the dispensing of beverage containers (3) towards said unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the operative connection between the control device (1000) and said beverage dispensing machine (1) causes the execution of said transmission phase of the authorization signal for dispensing beverage containers (3) .

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the transmission of the signal authorizing the dispensing of beverage containers (3) ? performed by a? unit? of data processing (100) operatively connected with said unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the operative connection between the control device (1000) and said beverage dispensing machine (1) comprises an operative interposition between a unit? data processing (9) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the operative connection between the control device (1000) and said beverage dispensing machine (1) comprises an operative interposition between a unit? data processing (9) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? payment (11) of the beverage vending machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step of transmitting a discount signal, when the presence sensor (101) ? in the first state, optionally in which the step of transmitting said discount signal ? carried out towards a?unit? payment (11) of the beverage vending machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the transmission of the discount signal causes, in use, an electronic and automatic alteration of a price requested by the beverage vending machine (1), optionally by the unit? of payment (11), for the dispensing of the drink (2), optionally in which said electronic and automatic alteration determines a reduction of the price for the dispensing of the drink (2) from a first and more? high value to a second and more? low value.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the transmission of the discount signal takes place on a connection cable (104) between the unit? processing data (100) of the control device (1000) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? of payment (11).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the transmission of the beverage container dispensing interruption signal (3) takes place on a management cable (105) of the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers connected with the unit? data processing (100),

and/or the transmission of the beverage container dispensing authorization signal (3) takes place on a management cable (105) of the unit? (10) control of the dispensing of beverage containers connected with the unit? of data processing (100).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises an operational connection step between a unit? data processing (9) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? data processing system (100) of the control device (1000) of the beverage dispensing machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the operational connection phase between the unit? data processing (9) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? processing unit (100) of the control device (1000) of the beverage vending machine (1) comprises making a wired connection via a master cable (103), connected with the unit? data processing unit (100), said master cable (103) being connected with the unit? of data processing (100).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the step of identifying the presence or absence of a beverage container (3) by means of the presence sensor (101), takes place by activating a photocell or a photodetector of said presence sensor (101) , optionally activating a diffuse photocell, optionally direct diffuse, of said presence sensor (101).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the step of identifying the presence or absence of said beverage container (3) comprises causing the presence sensor (101) to emit electromagnetic radiation, in particular optical radiation, in a predetermined spectrum of wavelengths; said predetermined spectrum of wavelengths optionally comprising wavelengths in the infrared range.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises an operative connection step of the presence sensor (101) with the unit? processing unit (100) of the control device (1000).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the operational connection step between the presence sensor (101) and the unit? of data processing (100) comprises the connection of the presence sensor (101) with a detection cable (102) connected with the unit? of data processing (100).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step of installing the presence sensor (101) in correspondence with a beverage dispensing area (4) of the beverage vending machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the step of identifying the presence or absence of a beverage container (3) by means of a presence sensor (101) comprises a transmission of a status signal indicative of at least said first status or of said second state, optionally in which the transmission of the state signal takes place from the presence sensor (101) towards the unit? data processing system (100) of a control device (1000) operatively connected to the beverage dispensing machine (1), in particular a control device (1000) according to one or more? of the aspects described here.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises the use of an identification cable (102), connected with the unit? data processing (100); said detection cable (102) being configured to be connected with the presence sensor (101).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the transmission of the status signal takes place on the identification bus (102).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises memorization of a given threshold time (T0) indicative of a permanence of the presence sensor (101) in the first state, said memorization being optionally performed by the unit? of data processing (100).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a loading of the threshold time (T0) from a memory operatively accessed by the unit? of data processing (100) towards the unit? of data processing (100).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises an electronic measurement step of a residence time (t) of the presence sensor (101) in said first state, optionally in which the residence time (t) ? a continuous and/or uninterrupted permanence time of the presence sensor (101) in said first state.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, said phase of electronic measurement ? carried out by? unit? processing unit (100) of the control device (1000).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises the automatic execution of an electronic comparison between the threshold time (T0) and the residence time (t) of the presence sensor (101) in said first state; the transmission of said interruption signal for beverage containers (3) being carried out only when said residence time (t) exceeds the threshold time (T0).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, said electronic comparison between the threshold time (T0) and the residence time (t) of the presence sensor (101) in said first state ? carried out by? unit? of data processing (100).

Beverage vending machine

In accordance with this disclosure? further described is a beverage dispensing machine (1), comprising:

- a body which identifies a beverage dispensing area (4) intended to house a beverage container (3),

- a dispensing device (6), configured to dispense a specific quantity? of a drink (2) in the drink container (3),

- a?unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3), configured to dispense a beverage container (3) from a container storage portion to the beverage dispensing area (4),

- a control device (1000) according to one or more? of the aspects described here.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the beverage dispensing area (4) comprises a support surface (5) intended to house at least one container for beverages (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the unit? beverage container (3) dispensing control device (10) comprises a servo actuator configured to pick up one beverage container (3) at a time from the container storage portion and to carry, or drop, the beverage container (3 ) in the beverage dispensing area (4), in particular on the support surface (5).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) ? configured to receive a beverage container dispensing stop signal (3) from the controller (1000).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the control device (1000) ? contained within the body of the beverage vending machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the storage portion ? configured to host a plurality? of beverage containers (3), optionally in stacked configuration and/or partially inserted one inside the other.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the beverage vending machine (1) comprises a unit? data processing (9) operationally connected with the? unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3), said unit? of data processing (9) being at least configured to control the activation of the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) so that? a beverage container (3) is taken from the container storage portion to be carried towards, or dropped into, the beverage dispensing area (4).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the unit? of data processing (9) ? directly connected with the unit? processing unit (100) of the control device (1000).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the beverage dispensing machine (1) comprises a cable for transmitting a beverage dispensing signal (F), connected to the unit? data processing unit (9) and configured to carry a beverage dispensing signal towards the unit? for control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3); said beverage dispensing signal transmission cable (F) being directly connected to the control device (1000), in particular with the unit? of data processing (100) of the control device (1000), more? in particular with the cable (105) of management of the unit? dispensing containers.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the beverage vending machine (1) comprises a unit? payment card (11) configured to accept a payment intended to allow dispensing of the beverage (2).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, said unit? of payment (11) ? configured to accept a cash payment or an e-money payment.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the unit? of payment (11) ? operationally connected with the? unit? of data processing (9), optionally being operatively connected with the unit? data processing system (9) of the beverage vending machine (1) via a wired connection.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the beverage vending machine (1) comprises a user interface (7, 8) configured to allow the user to select a specific type of beverage (2) to be dispensed and/or to allow the user? user to view information relating to the dispensing of the drink (2).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the user interface (7, 8) comprises a display (7) and/or selection buttons (8).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the user interface (7, 8) ? operationally connected with the? unit? of data processing (9).

Computer program

In accordance with this disclosure? described a computer program, adapted to be executed on at least one electronic processor, said computer program comprising portions of software code which, when executed, cause the execution of the method according to one or more? of these aspects.

In particular, according to this disclosure ? described a computer program, adapted to be executed on an electronic processor, said computer program comprising portions of software code which, when executed, cause the execution of:

- a step for identifying an activation of the beverage dispensing machine (1) to dispense a beverage;

- a step for identifying the presence or absence of a container for drinks (3) by means of a presence sensor (101), said step for identifying the presence or absence of said container for drinks (3) comprising a electronic check of a state of the presence sensor (101), in particular an electronic check of whether the presence sensor (101) is in a first state determined, in use, by a presence of the beverage container (3), or in a second state determined, in use, by an absence of said beverage container (3);

- a transmission, following the identification phase, of a signal for interrupting the dispensing of beverage containers (3) towards a unit? control system (10) of the delivery of beverage containers (3) of the beverage vending machine (1), said transmission taking place when said presence sensor (101) ? in the first state;

- an authorization phase, for the beverage dispensing machine (1), in particular for the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3), to distribute a beverage container (3) and to dispense said beverage (2) into the distributed beverage container (3), when the presence sensor (101 ) ? in the second state.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, said electronic processor ? a?unit? data processing system (100) of a control device (1000) for a beverage vending machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the control device (1000) ? operatively connected with said beverage dispensing machine (1), and the operative connection causes the execution of at least said identification step, said identification step and said transmission step of said signal for interrupting the dispensing of beverage containers (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause the activation, for the control device (1000), of a first configuration of operative interaction with the operation of the beverage vending machine (1 ) determined by the first state of the presence sensor (101) and in which the control device (1000) alters, in use, a normal operation of the beverage vending machine (1), or of a second operational transparency configuration with the operation of the beverage vending machine (1) determined by the second state and in which the control device (1000) does not alter, in use, a normal operation of the beverage vending machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, said portions of software code, when executed, cause the activation, for the control device (1000), of said first operative interaction configuration to carry out the transmission of said dispensing interruption signal of beverage containers (3) towards the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) of the beverage vending machine (1) or the activation, for the control device (100), of said second operational transparency configuration to execute the authorization, for the beverage vending machine (1), in particular for the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3), to dispensing a beverage container (3) and to dispensing said beverage (2) into the dispensed beverage container (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, do yes? that the transmission of the container dispensing interruption signal is carried out by the unit? of data processing (100), optionally from the unit? processing unit (100) of a control device (1000) operatively associated with the beverage dispensing machine (1), in which the unit? of data processing (100) of the control device (1000) ? operationally connected with this unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause, following said identification step, a transmission of an authorization signal for the dispensing of beverage containers (3) towards said unit ? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, in the authorization phase, cause a failure to transmit the signal to interrupt dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state, and/or cause in said authorization, the transmission of an authorization signal for the dispensing of beverage containers (3) towards said unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, said portions of software code cause the transmission of the authorization signal for the dispensing of beverage containers (3) by the unit? of data processing (100) towards the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the operative connection between the control device (1000) and said beverage dispensing machine (1) allows the execution of said transmission step of the authorization signal for the dispensing of beverage containers (3) .

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the operative connection between the control device (1000) and said beverage dispensing machine (1) comprises an operative interposition between a unit? data processing (9) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the operative connection between the control device (1000) and said beverage dispensing machine (1) comprises an operative interposition between a unit? data processing (9) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? payment (11) of the beverage vending machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause a transmission of a discount signal, when the presence sensor (101) ? in the first state, optionally in which the transmission of said discount signal ? carried out towards the? unit? payment (11) of the beverage vending machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the transmission of said discount signal ? carried out by? unit? data processing system (100) of a control device (1000) operatively connected to the beverage dispensing machine (1), in particular a control device (1000) according to one or more? of the aspects described here, towards the?unit? payment (11) of the beverage vending machine (1).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause, by means of the discount signal, an electronic and automatic alteration of a price requested by the beverage vending machine (1), optionally by the unit? of payment (11), for the dispensing of the drink (2), optionally causing a reduction in the price of said drink (2) from a first and more? high value to a second and more? low value.

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the portions of software code, when executed, cause the transmission of the discount signal on a connection cable (104) between the unit? processing data (100) of the control device (1000) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? of payment (11).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the portions of software code, when executed, cause the transmission of the signal for interrupting the dispensing of beverage containers (3) on a cable (105) for managing the unit? control (10) of the dispensing of beverage containers connected with the unit? of data processing (100).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause the activation of a photocell or photodetector, optionally a diffuse photocell, of said presence sensor (101), to carry out the step identification of the presence or absence of a beverage container (3).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which when executed, in the step of identifying the presence or absence of a container for beverages (3) by means of a presence sensor (101), cause a reception, by the? unit? data processing system (100), of a state signal indicative of at least said first state or said second state, transmitted by the presence sensor (101).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the transmission of the status signal takes place on the identification bus (102).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause a memorization of a determined threshold time (T0) indicative of a permanence of the presence sensor (101) in the first state, said memorization being optionally carried out by? unit? of data processing (100).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause a loading of the threshold time (T0) from a memory operatively accessed by the unit? of data processing (100) towards the unit? of data processing (100).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause an electronic measurement of a residence time (t) of the presence sensor (101) in said first state, optionally in which the residence time (t) ? a continuous and/or uninterrupted permanence time of the presence sensor (101) in said first state; optionally, the electronic measurement being carried out by the unit? processing unit (100) of the control device (1000).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause the automatic execution of an electronic comparison between the threshold time (T0) and the residence time (t) of the presence sensor (101 ) in said first state; the said portions of software code causing the transmission of the said interruption signal for dispensing of beverage containers (3) only when said residence time (t) exceeds the threshold time (T0).

According to a further non-limiting aspect, said electronic comparison between the threshold time (T0) and the residence time (t) of the presence sensor (101) in said first state ? carried out by? unit? of data processing (100).

Use

According to the present invention ? finally described a use of the control device (1000) for the control of beverage vending machines (1), optionally for the control of beverage vending machines (1) of the semi-automatic or automatic type.

Figures

Some detailed embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure are provided in the following detailed description. This detailed description refers to the annexed figures. A brief description of the figures ? provided below.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic front view of an embodiment of a beverage vending machine, configured to be placed on the ground. Figure 1 shows in particular a mixed view, which has elements not visible from the outside of the machine, but which are shown for the purpose of clarifying its operation.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic front view of an embodiment of a beverage vending machine, which integrates a control device 1000 according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 shows in particular a mixed view, which has elements not visible from the outside of the machine, but which are shown for the purpose of clarifying its operation.

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a circuit of a particular embodiment of a control device 1000 for a beverage vending machine.

Fig. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a control method of a beverage vending machine according to the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates a detail of a block diagram concerning a step of dispensing a drink according to a particular embodiment of a control method of the drink dispensing machine.

Detailed description

In figure 1, with the reference number 1 ? indicated as a whole a beverage vending machine. In detail, the beverage vending machine? an automatic machine. The beverage vending machine 1 can? be called a ?coin freed machine? when the dispensing of a drink 2 is determined by the payment of a given sum of money, what will it be like? better explained below.

Figure 1, in particular, illustrates a beverage vending machine configured to be placed on a floor. However, this specific support destination is not to be understood in a limiting way.

The beverage dispensing machine 1 comprises a body which identifies a beverage dispensing area 4. At the beverage dispensing area 4, a beverage 2? dispensed in a beverage container 3. The beverage container 3 can? be for example and not limited to a glass or cup, and be made of plastic or paper material.

The beverage container 3 in use lies on a support surface 5 positioned at a lower portion of the beverage dispensing area 4, and this support surface 5 typically, but not limited to, comprises a grid to allow drinks to drain disbursed in excess of the capacity? of the beverage container 3. Therefore, the beverage dispensing area 4 ? configured and specifically intended to accommodate, at least temporarily, a beverage container 3.

At an upper portion of the beverage dispensing area 4? is there a dispensing device 6, which ? configured to dispense a certain amount? of beverage 2 in the beverage container 3. In one embodiment, the dispensing device 6 is a single-nozzle or multi-nozzle device. The delivery device can? be associated with, or comprise, a fluid pump and/or chopper, particularly where the beverage originates from, for example, coffee? in grains.

The beverage vending machine 1 also? comprises a container dispenser 10, which ? conceived for the purpose of dispensing a container 3 (one at a time for each dispensing) from a container storage portion towards the beverage dispensing area 4. The container dispenser 10 is preferably but not limitedly positioned in an upper portion with respect to the beverage dispensing area 4. Typically, this dispenser of containers 10 comprises a servo-actuator which, in use, takes one beverage container 3 at a time from the container storage portion and carries, or drops, the beverage container 3 into the beverage dispensing area 4, in particular onto the support surface 5. Preferably, but not limited to, the beverage containers 3 in the container storage portion are stacked with each other and/or partially introduced one inside the other. Preferably, but not in a limited way, these beverage containers are made of plastic and/or paper material, and are therefore beverage containers 3 of the disposable type.

In one embodiment, the container dispenser 10 comprises, or is, a unit? control system, preferably a hardware/software mix that creates an independent container dispensing control subsystem.

The beverage vending machine 1 also? includes a? unit? data processing 9. This unit? of data processing 9 ? operatively connected with the container dispenser 10, and is it in particular configured to control the activation of the dispenser of containers 10 so that? a container 3, when appropriate, is taken from the container storage portion to be brought towards the beverage dispensing area 4.

The operational connection between the unit? of data processing 9 and the dispenser of containers 10 ? represented by the connection cable identified by the letter F in figure 1. This cable will be? hereinafter described as beverage dispensing signal transmission cable F. So, in one embodiment such a connection is operational? a wired connection.

The beverage dispensing machine 1 also comprises a unit? payment 11, what ? configured to accept cash or electronic means of payment so that? the beverage 2 can be dispensed. In particular, in one embodiment, the receipt of sufficient cash or e-money payment? decisive, and allows the dispensing of drink 2. This dispensing? prevented until it ? sufficient payment has been made. The unit of payment 11 ? operationally connected with the? unit? of data processing 9. In one embodiment, the operational connection between the unit? of payment 11 and the unit? of data processing 9 ? wired type. The cable identified by the letter C, or ?Executive? makes this operational connection.

Does the beverage vending machine 1 also include? a? user interface 7, 8 that ? configured to allow the user to select a specific type of drink to be dispensed and/or optional parameters associated with said drink 2. The user interface 7, 8, alternatively or in combination with the above, also allows the user to view information relating to the dispensing of drink 2.

In a non-limiting embodiment, these optional parameters include, for example and not limited to, the quantity? of sugar, and/or the quantity? of salt and/or the quantity? or volume of beverage to be dispensed and/or the combination of a specific beverage with a further beverage.

The user interface 7, 8 typically has a display 7 and selection buttons 8. These selection buttons may not be present when the display 7 is of the touch-sensitive type, since the user interface 7, 8 is of the touch-sensitive type. in this case they are replaced by virtual buttons.

The user interface 7, 8 ? operationally connected at least with the? unit? data processing 9.

Figure 2 illustrates a beverage vending machine 1 which integrates a control device 1000, which forms the object of the present invention.

The 1000 control device that ? described below ? separated from the beverage vending machine and configured to be operatively connected to the beverage vending machine 1 itself, and in particular to be installed on said beverage vending machine 1.

The controller 1000 ? configured to be operationally connected with the unit? of data processing 9 of the beverage vending machine 1, so that? the operation of the latter can be altered when a user decides to use his own beverage container 3 for the selected beverage 2.

From the logical point of view, the control device 1000 described here? configured to be operationally connected, in particular operationally interposed, between a? unit? data processing 9 of the beverage vending machine 1 and the unit? control 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3.

Furthermore, from a logical point of view, the control device 1000 described here, in a particular embodiment thereof, is configured to be operationally connected, in particular operationally interposed, between the unit? data processing 9 of the beverage vending machine 1 and the unit? of payment 11. Clearly this connection or operational interposition should not be considered essential. In fact, the beverage vending machine 1 might not be equipped with the unit? of payment 11, for example since? configured to dispense drinks for free. In this case, this connection, in particular this interposition, will not be operational? clearly present.

The purpose of the 1000 controller ? that of being able to allow identification of whether the user in use manually introduces his own beverage container 3 onto the support surface 5 of the beverage dispensing area 4, so that? the beverage vending machine 1 does not dispense further beverage containers 3, but dispenses the beverage 2 which the user selects via the user interface 7, 8 directly into the container 3 inserted by him.

Also, the control device 1000 ? configured to allow the beverage 2 to be dispensed into a container 3 supplied by the beverage vending machine 1, in particular via the unit? control 10 of the dispensing of the beverage containers 3, if the presence of a beverage container 3 supplied by the user is not identified.

The controller 1000 ? specifically configured to be installed on beverage vending machines 1 even originally without the same, thus realizing an integration kit. Advantageously, this allows the beverage vending machine 1 to be updated with the functions granted by the control device 1000, and therefore avoids the manager or owner having to replace the entire beverage vending machine 1 with a new model. This allows for considerable cost savings.

How will it be? better clarified by reading the following portion of the description, the control device 1000 comprises a first configuration of operative interaction with the operation of the beverage vending machine 1 determined by the first state of the presence sensor (101) and in which the control device 1000 alters , in use, a normal operation of the beverage vending machine 1, and a second transparency configuration operational with the operation of the beverage vending machine 1 determined by the second state and in which the control device 1000 does not alter, in use, a normal operation of the beverage vending machine 1.

Figure 3 illustrates a circuit diagram of the controller 1000. This circuit diagram is described here in detail.

The reference number 100 identifies as a whole a unit? of data processing of the controller 1000.

The unit of data processing 100 pu? preferably comprising a programmable controller specifically intended to perform the operations described herein. However, the use of a programmable controller is not? to be considered limiting. In fact, the unit? of data processing 100 pu? comprising a processor of the general purpose type, on which a predetermined computer program is executed equipped with portions of software code which, when executed, cause the execution of a control method as described hereinafter. Others? the unit? of data processing 100 pu? understand an ASIC. The unit of data processing 100 pu? understand a memory on which ? conveniently stored a computer program or firmware intended to cause its operation in accordance with the present disclosure. This memory, alternatively or in combination, can? be intended to store one or more? electronic data useful for the functioning of the unit? of data processing 100. The memory can? also be an external memory, not physically integrated inside the? unit? of data processing 100. In this case the unit? of data processing 100 include? advantageously a subsystem configured and specifically intended to operatively access said memory.

Preferably but not limitedly said memory sar? non-volatile, i.e. such that the electronic data, and/or the computer program or firmware stored therein, will remain correctly stored even in the event of a power failure.

The control device 1000 first of all comprises a presence sensor 101 configured to detect the presence of a container 3, in particular of a container 3 for beverages. The presence sensor 101 ? preferably but not limited to a photocell or a photodetector, for example but not limited to the semiconductor type.

In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the photocell of the presence sensor 101 is of the direct diffuse type, and advantageously integrates in a single casing both a photoemitter and a photodetector suitably designed and particularly configured to receive the wavelengths emitted by the photoemitter. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the presence sensor 101 operates in the infrared wavelength range.

The presence sensor 101 ? operationally connected with the? unit? processing unit 100 of the control device 1000. In a specific embodiment, represented in figure 3, the presence sensor 101 is connected with a wired connection with the unit? processing unit 100. The cable identified with the numerical reference 102 (identification cable) carries an identification signal of the presence or absence of the container 3 from the presence sensor 101 towards the unit? of data processing 100.

In particular, the presence sensor 101 has at least two states:

- a first state determined, in use, by a presence of said container 3, and - a second state determined, in use, by an absence of said container 3. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the presence sensor 101 ? connected to the unit? processing unit 100 by means of a connector 102c. This allows for greater ease? of installation of the presence sensor 101 on the beverage vending machine 1.

The unit of data processing 100 ? configured for:

- cause a transmission of a beverage container delivery stop signal 3 to the unit? control 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3 when the presence sensor 101 ? in the first state;

- allow the beverage vending machine 1, in particular the unit? control 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3, of dispensing a beverage container 3 and of dispensing said beverage 2 into said beverage container 3, when the presence sensor 101 ? in the second state.

In detail, the installation of the presence sensor 101 takes place substantially in correspondence with the beverage dispensing area 4. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the installation of the presence sensor 101 takes place substantially in correspondence with a side wall of the beverage dispensing area 4, in particular by occurring at a height sufficient to intercept the container 3, if present.

A 100b power supply supplies electrical power to the unit? of data processing 100. The control device 1000 also? does it include a first light indicator 106 configured to signal the power supply of the unit? data processing unit 100 and a second luminous indicator 107 configured to signal the operational activation of the unit? processing unit 100. Said first and second light indicator are connected operatively, in particular electrically, with the unit? processing unit 100 and, in a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, do they lie inside the protective body of the unit? of data processing 100.

In one embodiment, the controller 1000 optionally also comprises a main light indicator, indicated in figure 2 and in figure 3 with the reference number 111. This main light indicator 111? configured to be installed in correspondence with the body of the beverage vending machine 100, so that? can be visible by the user. The main beacon 111 ? operationally connected to the unit? of data processing 100. The unit? of data processing 100 ? configured to supply power to the main beacon 111 when? the presence sensor 101 ? in the first state, and to stop? Power supply of the main luminous indicator 111 when? the presence sensor 101 ? in the second state. Thanks to this aspect, the user can? have an? indication of whether actually the beverage container 3 ? been actually placed correctly on the support plane 5, and its presence? correctly identified by the presence sensor 101. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risks deriving from any dispensing of beverage containers 3 carried out by the beverage vending machine 1 despite the fact that the user has placed one of his beverage containers 3 on the support surface 5. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the main light indicator 111 comprises a LED diode.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the control device 1000 can otherwise? include a buzzer 109. This buzzer 109 ? operationally connected with the? unit? of data processing 100 and receives, in use, an alarm signal when the presence sensor 101 ? in the first state. Preferably, but not limitedly, the control device 1000 also comprises a switch 110, operatively connected between the unit? of data processing 100 and the buzzer 109; through the switch 110 ? It is possible to manually select the activation or deactivation of the buzzer 109.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the buzzer 109 is installed in substantial correspondence to a protective body of the unit? of data processing 100, and also? the switch 110 ? installed substantially in correspondence with the protective body of the unit? of data processing 100. Consequently, the switch 110 is preferably not? accessible from outside the beverage vending machine. Consequently, the selection of the activation or not of the buzzer 109 can? be carried out only by an operator authorized to open the body of the beverage dispensing machine 1.

The unit of data processing 100 ? conveniently connected to the unit? of payment 11 and with the dispenser of containers 10. The cable identified by the reference number 104 ? the one that allows the connection of the unit? of data processing with the dispenser of containers 10. This cable 104 ? therefore a cable of management of the unit? payment 11.

Cable 104, also defined herein? ?connection cable with executive C cable? or, also?, ?connection cable with the?unit? of payment 11?, ? the one that allows the operational and logical connection of the unit? of data processing 100 with the unit? payment 11.

The unit of data processing 100 ? otherwise? operationally connected with the? unit? processing connection 9 of the beverage dispensing machine 1. This operative connection, in the embodiment of figure 2, is carried out by means of cable 103. This cable ? described below as ?master cable? and ? therefore the cable that creates the operational connection between the two units? data processing devices 100 and 9 respectively of the control device 1000 described here and of the beverage dispensing machine 1.

Finally, the control device 1000, although optionally, can include an optical activation signaller, intended to be positioned in correspondence with the body of the beverage dispensing machine 1, so that? through it it is possible for the user to visually and immediately check the operation of the control device 1000 described herein.

Inside the unit? of data processing 100 of the control device 1000 ? also present? a 100p optocoupler. Does the 100p optocoupler include a 100p light emitting diode? and a 100p phototransistor??.

The 100p light emitting diode? represents the input of the 100p optocoupler, while the 100p phototransistor?? represents the optocoupler output.

The 100p light emitting diode? ? connected with the cable 104 for connection with the executive cable C, and therefore receives, in use, a signal indicative of the execution of a payment by the user on the unit? of payment 11. When it receives this signal indicative of the execution of the payment, the light emitting diode 100p? ? excited, and excites the 100p phototransistor??. The purpose of the optocoupler? cause an electrical decoupling between the signal coming from the connection cable 104 with the executive cable C, and the master cable 103, and also? allow the sending of a determined control signal on the master cable 103 only when a signal on the cable 104 for connection with the executive cable C ? enough to make the 100p? light emitting diode conductive.

The 100p phototransistor?? ? connected with the master cable 103. When energized, this phototransistor 100p?? sends a payment signal to the unit? of data processing 9 of the beverage vending machine 1.

In the photocoupler 100p there are also resistors 100r, 100k to limit the current which is made to pass by the phototransistor when it is placed in conduction by the photodiode.

The Applicant has observed that the use of a beverage container 3 supplied by the user, and therefore the interruption of the delivery of beverage containers 3 by the beverage vending machine 1, allows to save on the cost deriving from the supply of drink containers.

For this reason, the unit? of data processing 100 ? initially configured to identify, by means of the presence sensor 101, the presence or absence of a beverage container 3, and in particular ? configured to identify the first state or the second state assumed by the presence sensor 101.

If the presence sensor 101 ? in the first state, the unit? of data processing 100 ? configured to send a discount signal towards the unit? of data processing 9 (therefore on the master cable 103) and/or directly a discount signal towards the unit? of payment 11 (therefore on the cable 103) so that? Is it possible to offer the purchase of the drink at a lower price than the price at which it is? typically proposed this drink where it should also be supplied? the beverage container 3. In other words, the discount signal is ? intended to cause an? Electronic and automatic alteration of a price requested by the beverage vending machine 1, in particular by the unit? of payment 11, and this electronic and automatic alteration determines a reduction of the price for the dispensing of the beverage 2 from a first ? and more high ? value towards a second ? and more Bass ? value. The use of the term ?automatic? ? provided why? the said alteration takes place electronically for the modality? with which ? programmed the? unit? of data processing 100, and takes place without specific manual intervention by an operator or by the user.

In particular, the Applicant has observed that the reduction in the cost of the drink advantageously favors the use of a container for drinks 3 already in use. owned by the user, therefore most likely recyclable and therefore, indirectly, favors the reduction of the environmental impact which? brought about by the use of disposable type beverage containers 3.

The Applicant has observed that the presence sensor 101 could identify the presence of a container for drinks 3 even when this container for drinks 3 is not? actually present on the support surface 5 of the beverage dispensing area 4. In particular, this is a case of false positive. In order to mitigate the effect of potential false positives, in a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the unit? of data processing 100 pu? be configured to memorize a threshold time T0 indicative of a constant permanence of the first state for the presence sensor 101. In this case the unit? of data processing 100 ? otherwise? configured to perform the following procedure.

If the first state is maintained for a time t>T0, this means that the presence sensor 101 detects an effective presence of the beverage container 3, and consequently the unit? processing unit 100 sends a signal to interrupt the delivery of beverage containers 3. In this case, therefore, the beverage 2 is dispensed using the beverage container 3 actually supplied by the user. Where applicable, the price of the drink will be? discounted.

If, on the other hand, the first state is maintained for a time t?T0, does this mean that yes ? faced with a false positive and identifying the presence of a beverage container 3 pu? be the result of a spurious signal. In this case, the unit? processing unit 100 does not transmit a signal for interrupting the delivery of beverage containers 3, the beverage 2 is dispensed using a beverage container dispensed via the control device 10. Where provided, in this case the price of the drink will not come discounted.

To perform the above, the unit? of data processing 100 advantageously comprises an internal clock and ? configured to update a time counter t corresponding to the time in which the presence of the first state for the presence sensor 101 is continuously detected. The precision and the increase of the time counter are given by the aforementioned internal clock.

Alternatively, or in combination, failure to transmit the beverage container dispensing signal 3, ? followed by a transmission of a beverage container dispensing authorization signal to the unit? control 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the threshold time T0 ? equal to 500ms, being more? generally in the range of 200-800ms, or 300-700ms, or 400-600ms.

A step of installing the controller 1000 ? described here.

First of all, a first step of the installation process of the control device 1000 comprises opening the body of the beverage vending machine 1 to have access to its internal components so that the control device 1000 can be easily introduced inside.

A further step of the installation process of the control device 1000 comprises:

- the disconnection of the executive cable C from the unit? of data processing 9, so that? does this remain connected at least temporarily only to the unit? of payment 11, - the disconnection of the cable F of transmission of the dispensing signal from the unit? of data processing 9, so that? this remains connected to the unit? control 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3.

Subsequently, the installation of the control device 1000 comprises the installation of a presence sensor 101 substantially in correspondence with the beverage dispensing area 4.

The installation of the 1000 controller includes positioning the unit? of data processing 100 in a proper position inside the body of the beverage vending machine 1. In particular, this position ? a fixed position. Fasteners of the known type, advantageously comprising adhesives or screws, can be used to securely fix the unit? of data processing 100 to the body of the beverage vending machine 1.

At this point the operator can? proceed with the connection of the various connectors so that? the cables coming out from? unit? of data processing 100 can be connected with the previously disconnected cables, in particular in the modalities? set out below.

The executive cable C is connected with the terminal connector 104c of the cable 104 for connection with the executive cable C.

Is the delivery signal transmission cable F connected to the connector 105c of the unit management cable 105? dispensing containers.

The presence sensor 101 is connected to the relative connector 102c, on the identification cable 102.

The master cable 103 is connected between the unit? of data processing 100 and the unit? processing module 9 of the beverage dispensing machine 1 via connector 103c.

The unit of data processing 100 ? powered by the electric power supply of the beverage dispensing machine 1. This electric power supply, in a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, can? be a power supply at 220V AC or can? alternatively be a low voltage DC power supply, for example at 12V.

At this point the control device 1000 described here ? ready to operate according to a method described hereinafter in a particular embodiment thereof.

Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart concerning the various steps of a specific embodiment of the method of dispensing a beverage.

Block 1001 identifies an activation phase of the beverage vending machine 1, on which ? installed the control device 1000 object of the present disclosure. Due to the connection existing between the beverage dispensing machine 1 and the control device 1000, the activation of the beverage dispensing machine 1 implies the activation of the control device 1000.

The activation phase identified by block 1001 also? comprises the use of the user interface 7, 8 for selecting a particular beverage 2 dispensed by the beverage vending machine. In a preferred embodiment, the use of the user interface 7, 8 is carried out otherwise? to allow the selection of the aforementioned optional parameters associated with said beverage 2.

The use of the user interface 7, 8 causes the transmission of a certain command for the selection of a certain drink from the user interface 7, 8 towards the unit? data processing system 9 of the beverage vending machine.

Block 1002 identifies the analysis of the state of the presence sensor 101. This analysis ? an analysis which includes the aforementioned electronic check of the state of the presence sensor 101, and in particular comprises the electronic check, carried out by the unit? processing module 100, of the fact that the presence sensor is in the first state, indicative of the presence of the beverage container 3 on the support surface 5, or in the second state, indicative of the absence of a beverage container 3 on the support surface 5.

This analysis therefore comprises at least one transmission of a status signal, indicative of the presence and/or absence of the beverage container 3 from the presence sensor 101 towards the unit? of data processing 100 through the detection bus 102. In particular, the transmission ? directly carried out between the presence sensor 101 and the unit? of data processing 100 without the interposition of further electronic devices. This analysis is equivalent to receiving a status signal on an input of the unit? of data processing 100, where the status signal ? transmitted by the presence sensor 101.

Determining the state of the presence sensor, i.e. determining whether or not the beverage container 3 is actually present? schematically represented by block 1003.

If the presence sensor 101 ? in the second state, and therefore this presence sensor 101 identifies the absence of the beverage container 3, one proceeds (with the output ?N? of block 1003) towards a traditional dispensing of the beverage 2 selected by the user through the interface user 7, 8. Before proceeding with the dispensing of the drink 2, a container for drinks 3 contained within the container storage portion is placed on the support plane 5 of the drink dispensing area 4 by the container dispenser 10 of the beverage vending machine 1. This phase? schematically represented by block 1006 of figure 4.

In this case, preferably, the unit? processing unit 100 automatically and immediately carries out a transmission step of a signal authorizing the dispensing of a beverage container 3 towards the unit? 10 to control the dispensing of beverage containers 3.

The dispensing of the drink? schematically represented by the block 1006, and comprises the dispensing of the drink 2 by at least one nozzle of the dispensing device 6. More? in particular, the beverage dispensing phase 2 can include the activation of a fluid pump and/or chopper, particularly where the beverage originates from coffee? in grains.

If otherwise, the presence sensor 101 ? in the first state, and therefore this presence sensor 101 identifies the presence of the container for beverages 3, one proceeds (with the output ?S? of block 1003) with the block of the distribution of the container 3. This block of the distribution of the container ? indicated with block 1005.

The flowchart of figure 4 in particular concerns a particular embodiment of the method in which ? a control phase against false positives is foreseen. Pi? in particular, this control step comprises the steps described hereinafter.

If otherwise, the presence sensor 101 ? in the first state, an electronic count of a residence time t of the presence sensor 101 in the first state is started immediately and/or automatically. In other words, the unit? of data processing 100 checks for how long the presence sensor 101 transmits the state signal corresponding to the first state.

Pi? in detail, the unit? of data processing 100 automatically alters a time counter t, initially set to zero.

At the same time, in the control phase, the unit? The data processing unit 100 loads a minimum time threshold T0 from a memory and compares electronically, in particular at each increment of the time counter t, the time counter t with the minimum time threshold T0. If this time counter t becomes greater than the threshold (condition t>T0), the unit? of data processing 100 considerer? an effective presence of a beverage container 3 on the support surface 5 of the beverage dispensing area 4, and will send? a signal of interruption of dispensing of beverage containers 3 towards the unit? of control 10 of the dispensing of the containers.

Otherwise, as long as the time counter t is less than the threshold time T0 (condition t?T0), the unit? of data processing 100 will continue? to increase this time counter t checking each time whether the beverage container 3 ? present, by checking the status signal transmitted by the presence sensor 101. In the block diagram of figure 4, this condition ? represented by the arrow emerging from the exit ?N? of block 1004.

In one embodiment, the step of dispensing the drink identified by block 1006 of figure 4 can include a transmission of the signal of discount towards the unit? processing data 9 (therefore on the master cable 103) and/or directly towards the unit? of payment 11 (therefore on the cable 104 for managing the payment unit 11). In the detail of figure 5, the transmission of the discount signal ? identified by block 1006b.

In a further embodiment, the step of dispensing the drink identified by block 1006 can understand the activation of the unit? of payment 11, so that? it is possible to make a payment for a particular drink 2 selected by the user through the user interface 7, 8. Preferably, the activation of the unit? payment 11 takes place before the discount signal is sent. For this reason, in figure 5, the block 1006a which identifies the activation of the unit? of payment 11, precedes the block 1006b which identifies the transmission of the discount signal.

In particular, the beverage dispensing phase identified by block 1006 can understand the? activation of the user interface 7, 8, in particular of the display 7, so that? this display signals the need? to perform a payment of the drink 2 and/or a need? to select a specific drink 2 using the selection buttons 8.

Does the actual activation of the dispensing device 6 by the unit? of data processing 9 pu? therefore be subordinated to at least one of the following phases:

- an electronic verification of a payment of a predefined and/or sufficient sum of money for the dispensing of drink 2 specifically selected by the user, and this electronic verification ? carried out, for example, by the unit? payment 11;

- an electronic verification of an electronic payment completion for the dispensing of beverage 2 specifically selected by the user, and this electronic verification ? carried out, for example, by the unit? payment 11.

The step of dispensing the drink 1006 specifically comprises the activation of a fluid pump and/or of a chopper, for a predetermined time necessary for the dispensing of the drink 2 specifically selected by the user. In the detail of figure 5, the activation of the fluid pump and/or of the chipper ? schematically represented by block 1006c. Does activation of the fluid pump and/or chopper follow both activation of the unit? of payment (block 1006a), both ? if performed? the transmission of the discount signal (block 1006b).

Bench? figure 5 does not illustrate this detail, the actual activation of the fluid pump and/or of the chipper? determined by the achievement of a certain amount paid corresponding to the price requested by the unit? payment 11.

Therefore, when the dispensing of drink 2 ends, the user can? remove the beverage container 3 from the support surface 5 and enjoy the beverage.

The operating cycle of the beverage vending machine 1 ends (block 1008, figure 4).

on the unit of data processing 100 a computer program is executed, the main characteristics of which are described hereinafter.

First, the computer program comprises portions of software code which when executed by the unit? of data processing 100 cause a step for identifying an activation of the beverage dispensing machine 1 to carry out a distribution of a beverage.

In particular, the identification of the activation of the beverage vending machine can advantageously be given by the reception of an activation signal on the master cable 103 (signal coming from the data processing unit 9 of the beverage vending machine 1) and/or directly via the power supply of the unit? of data processing 100 caused by the beverage vending machine 1.

The computer program also? includes portions of software code that when executed by? unit? of data processing 100 cause the execution of an identification phase of the presence or absence of a beverage container 3 by means of the presence sensor 101. More? in detail, the step of identifying the presence or absence of said beverage container 3 comprises an electronic check of a state of the presence sensor 101, in particular an electronic check of whether the presence sensor 101 is in a first determined state , in use, by a presence of the container for drinks 3, or in a second state determined, in use, by an absence of said container for drinks 3. To allow this, the portions of software code cause the activation of the photocell or a photodetector, optionally a diffuse photocell, of the presence sensor 101.

even more precisely, this phase of identification comprises the reception of a signal of state that the sensor of presence 101 transmits on the cable of identification 102 towards the unit? of data processing 100. So the portions of software code activate a surveillance on a specific input of the unit? of data processing 100 to which ? the detection cable 102 is connected. Therefore, the portions of software code, when executed, cause a reception by the unit? processing unit 100, of the state signal indicative of at least said first state or said second state.

The software code portions of said computer program, when executed, and when the presence sensor 101 ? in the first state (and therefore transmits on the identification cable 102 a state signal corresponding to said first state), following the identification step, they cause a transmission of a signal for interrupting the dispensing of beverage containers 3 towards a unit? control unit 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3 of the beverage vending machine 1. The transmission takes place on the management cable 105 of the unit? 10 for controlling the dispensing of beverage containers.

The software code portions of said computer program, when executed, and when the presence sensor 101 ? in the second state they cause an authorization, for the beverage dispensing machine 1, in particular for the unit? control device 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3, to distribute a beverage container 3 and to dispense said beverage 2 into the distributed beverage container 3, when the presence sensor 101 ? in the second state.

The portions of software code cause an automatically executed transmission upon reception of the state signal corresponding to the second state.

Where there is a control of the threshold time T0 indicative of a permanence of the presence sensor in said first state, this interruption signal ? transmitted following the exceeding, by a time counter, of the threshold time T0. Clearly, the identification step, the identification step and the transmission step of said signal for interrupting the delivery of beverage containers 3 are made possible by the operational connection, in particular wired, which exists between the beverage dispensing machine 1 and the ?unit? of data processing 100.

The computer program includes portions of software code which when executed do yes? that the transmission of the container dispensing interruption signal is carried out by the unit? of data processing 100, and this transmission ? made possible by the fact that the unit? of data processing 100 ? operationally connected with the? unit? control 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3.

The computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, when the presence sensor 101 ? in the second state (and therefore transmits on the identification cable 102 a state signal corresponding to said second state), following said identification phase, they cause a transmission of an authorization signal for the dispensing of beverage containers 3 towards the unit ? 10 for controlling the dispensing of beverage containers 3. In this way the beverage dispensing machine 1 operates in the traditional way.

This also implies that if the user does not place one of his beverage containers 3 on the support plane 5 of the beverage distribution area 4, the control device 1000 described here, and consequently also the computer program described here, become "transparent ? and the beverage dispensing machine 1 traditionally operates as if this control device 1000 had never been installed. The unit of data processing 100 in this case it allows the data to pass between the unit? data processing 9 of the beverage vending machine 1 and the unit? of control 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3 and the unit? of payment 11 transparently, without alteration.

In other words, the computer program that ? performed on the unit? of data processing 100 of the control device 1000 described here causes the activation, for the control device 1000, of the first operative interaction configuration to carry out the transmission of said signal for interrupting the dispensing of beverage containers 3 towards the unit ? control device 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3 of the beverage vending machine 1. Alternatively, the software program causes the activation, for the control device 100, of said second operational transparency configuration to execute the authorization, for the beverage vending machine 1, in particular for the unit? control unit 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3, to distribute a beverage container 3 and to dispense said beverage 2 within the beverage container 3 traditionally distributed via the unit? control 10.

Pi? in detail, said portions of software code, when the presence sensor 101 ? in the second state, they cause the transmission of the beverage container dispensing authorization signal 3 from the unit? of data processing 100 towards the? unit? control 10 of the dispensing of beverage containers 3 through the management cable 105 of the unit? dispensing containers. In particular, therefore, such portions of software code cause the activation of a predetermined output of the unit? of data processing 100 on which ? connected the cable 105 of management of the unit? of dispensing containers, and on said cable cause the transmission of said authorization signal.

Furthermore, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, when the presence sensor 101 ? in the first state (and therefore transmits on the identification cable 102 a state signal corresponding to said first state), cause a transmission of a discount signal towards the unit? of payment 11 of the beverage dispensing machine 1. In particular, the portions of software code cause the transmission of the discount signal towards the unit? of payment 11 of the beverage vending machine 1 through the connection cable 104 with the unit? of payment 11, or cable 104 of connection with the executive cable C.

The discount signal generated through said portions of software code causes (and therefore, although indirectly, the portions of software code cause) an electronic and automatic alteration of a price requested by the beverage vending machine 1, in particular requested by the unit? of payment 11, for the dispensing of the drink 2, optionally causing a reduction of the price of the drink 2 from a first and more? high value to a second and more? low value.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the computer program described here comprises a peculiar routine for controlling the amount of time t during which the presence sensor 101 remains in the first state. In order to execute this routine, the computer program comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause a memorization of a given threshold time T0 indicative of a permanence of the presence sensor 101 in the first state. Preferably, but not limited to, memorization ? carried out by? unit? of data processing 100.

This memorization conveniently isn't it? carried out whenever drink 2 must be dispensed, and can? in particular, be carried out only once, or once, with memorization in a non-volatile memory capable of maintaining the electronic datum corresponding to the threshold time T0 even when disconnected.

The previously mentioned routine comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause a loading of the threshold time T0 from a memory operatively accessed by the unit? of data processing 100 towards the? unit? of data processing 100.

In the aforementioned routine, immediately following said loading, the software code portions cause an electronic measurement of a residence time t of the presence sensor 101 in said first state. In particular, the residence time t ? a continuous and/or uninterrupted residence time of the presence sensor 101 in the first state. Pi? in detail, the electronic measurement carried out by the unit? of data processing 100 of the control device 1000 comprises a timed increment of the time counter corresponding to the residence time t.

The aforementioned routine comprises portions of software code which, when executed, cause an electronic comparison, in particular automatic, between the threshold time T<0 > and the residence time t of the presence sensor 101 in the first state, and these portions of software code they cause the transmission of said signal for interrupting delivery of beverage containers 3 only when said residence time t exceeds the threshold time T0.

The advantages of the control device 1000 and of the control method described herein are clear in the light of the preceding description. Notably, they allow the user to use his own beverage container, which can be advantageously used pi? times, saving on the dispensing of beverage containers by the beverage vending machine. This makes it possible to reduce the environmental impact deriving from the use of the beverage vending machine, in particular due to the potential absence of the use of disposable containers.

The controller 1000 described herein? easy to install and how does it work? substantially automated, and therefore for the? user it is not? required to perform specific operations. The user only has to place his own beverage container where foreseen on the beverage vending machine.

The Applicant observes that the invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures. For this reason, in the following claims, the reference signs, and in particular the reference numbers, have only the purpose of increasing the intelligibility? of the claims, and should not be regarded as limiting.

? finally, it is clear that additions, modifications and/or variations, obvious to a person skilled in the art, can be applied to the present invention, without thereby departing from the scope of protection provided by the appended claims.

Claims (15)

Claims 1. Control device (1000) for a beverage dispensing machine (1), said control device being configured to be installed on a functioning beverage dispensing machine (1) to modify an operation thereof and comprising: - a presence sensor (101) configured to detect the presence of a beverage container (3) in a beverage dispensing area (4) of the beverage vending machine (1), and having at least a first determined state, in use , by a presence of said beverage container (3) and a second state determined, in use, by an absence of said beverage container (3); - a?unit? processing unit (100) operatively connected to the presence sensor (101) and configured to be in turn operatively connected to a unit? control (10) for managing a dispensing of beverage containers (3) of the beverage dispensing machine (1); in which the? unit? of data processing (100) ? configured for: - locate when the drink vending machine (1) ? activated to perform a distribution of a beverage (2); - cause a transmission of a beverage container delivery cut-off signal (3) to the unit? control (10) for managing the dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the first state; - allow the beverage vending machine (1), in particular the unit? control (10) for managing the dispensing of beverage containers (3), to dispense a beverage container (3) and to dispense said beverage (2) within the distributed beverage container (3), when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state. 2. Control device according to claim 1, wherein the unit? of data processing (100) ? configured to be installed interposed between a? unit? data processing (9) of the beverage vending machine (1) and the unit? control (10) commanded by? unit? data processing (9) for the selective dispensing of beverage containers (3), the unit? processing unit (100) being configured to block a beverage container delivery interruption signal (3) from the unit? of data processing (9) and/or for not transmitting a signal of interruption of dispensing of beverage containers (3) towards said unit? control (10) for managing the dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state, or ? configured to let pass and/or transmit an authorization signal for the dispensing of beverage containers towards said unit? control (10) for managing the dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state, in order to allow the beverage dispensing machine (1) to dispense a beverage container (3) and dispense said beverage (2) into said beverage container (3). 3. Control device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the unit? of data processing (100) ? configured to transmit a discount signal, optionally towards a?unit? of payment (11) of the beverage dispensing machine (1), when the presence sensor (101) ? in the first state, said discount signal being intended to cause an electronic and automatic alteration of a price requested by the beverage vending machine (1), optionally by the unit? of payment (11), optionally in which said electronic and automatic alteration determines a reduction of the price for the dispensing of the drink (2) from a first and more? high value to a second and more? low value. 4. Control device according to one or more? of the preceding claims, - wherein the presence sensor (101) comprises a photocell or a photodetector, in particular wherein the photocell ? a diffuse light barrier, optionally a diffuse light barrier, and/or - wherein the presence sensor (101) operates by emitting electromagnetic radiation, in particular optical radiation, in a predetermined spectrum of wavelengths; said predetermined spectrum of wavelengths optionally comprising wavelengths in the infrared range. 5. Control device according to one or more? of the preceding claims, - wherein the presence sensor (101) is configured to transmit a state signal indicative of at least said first state or said second state, optionally wherein said presence sensor (101) ? configured to transmit said status signal towards said unit? of data processing (100), optionally directly towards said unit? data processing (100), - wherein the control device (1000) comprises a locating cable (102), connected with the unit? data processing (100); said detection cable (102) being configured to be connected with the presence sensor (101); - said detection cable (102) being intended to transmit, in use, said status signal. 6. Control device according to one or more? of the previous claims, in which the unit? of data processing (100) ? configured to memorize a specific threshold time (T<0>) indicative of a permanence of the presence sensor (101) in the first state, and ? configured to measure a residence time (t) of the presence sensor (101) in said first state, optionally in which the residence time (t) ? a continuous and/or uninterrupted permanence time of the presence sensor (101) in said first state, and in which the unit? of data processing (100) ? configured to automatically perform an electronic comparison between the threshold time (T0) and the permanence time (t) of the presence sensor (101) in said first state; said unit? data processing system (100) being configured to cause the transmission of said beverage container delivery interruption signal (3) when said residence time (t) exceeds the threshold time (T0). 7. Method of controlling a beverage vending machine (1), the method comprising: - a step for identifying an activation of the beverage dispensing machine (1) to dispense a beverage; - a step for identifying the presence or absence of a container for drinks (3) by means of a presence sensor (101), said step for identifying the presence or absence of said container for drinks (3) comprising a electronic check of a state of the presence sensor (101), in particular an electronic check of whether the presence sensor (101) is in a first state determined, in use, by a presence of the beverage container (3), or in a second state determined, in use, by an absence of said beverage container (3); - a transmission, following the identification phase, of a signal for interrupting the dispensing of beverage containers (3) towards a unit? control system (10) for managing a delivery of beverage containers (3) of the beverage vending machine (1), said transmission taking place when said presence sensor (101) is ? in the first state, - an authorisation, for the beverage dispensing machine (1), in particular for the unit? control system (10) for managing the dispensing of beverage containers (3), to distribute a beverage container (3) and to dispense said beverage (2) into the distributed beverage container (3), when the presence (101) ? in the second state. The method according to claim 7, the authorization comprises a non-transmission of the beverage container dispensing signal (3) when the presence sensor (101) is activated. in the second state, and/or the method comprises, in said authorization, the transmission of an authorization signal for the dispensing of beverage containers (3) towards said unit? control (10) for managing the dispensing of beverage containers (3) when the presence sensor (101) ? in the second state. The method according to claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising a step of transmitting a discount signal, when the presence sensor (101) ? in the first state, optionally in which the step of transmitting said discount signal ? carried out towards a?unit? payment (11) of the beverage vending machine (1), wherein the transmission of the discount signal causes, in use, an electronic and automatic alteration of a price requested by the beverage vending machine (1), optionally by the unit? of payment (11), for the dispensing of the drink (2), optionally in which said electronic and automatic alteration determines a reduction of the price for the dispensing of the drink (2) from a first and more? high value to a second and more? low value. 10. Method according to one or more? of the preceding claims from 7 to 9, - wherein the step of identifying the presence or absence of a beverage container (3) by means of the presence sensor (101), takes place by activating a photocell or a photodetector of said presence sensor (101), optionally activating a diffuse photocell, optionally diffuse, of said presence sensor (101), and/or - wherein the step of identifying the presence or absence of said beverage container (3) comprises causing the presence sensor (101) to emit electromagnetic radiation, in particular optical radiation, in a predetermined wavelength spectrum ; said predetermined spectrum of wavelengths optionally comprising wavelengths in the infrared range. 11. Method according to one or more? of the preceding claims from 7 to 10, - wherein the step of identifying the presence or absence of a beverage container (3) by means of a presence sensor (101) comprises a transmission of a state signal indicative of at least said first state or said second state , optionally in which the transmission of the status signal takes place from the presence sensor (101) towards the unit? processing system (100) of a control device (1000) operatively connected to the beverage dispensing machine (1), in particular a control device (1000) according to one or more? of claims 1 to 6, - the method including the use of a detection cable (102), connected with the unit? data processing (100); said detection cable (102) being configured to be connected with the presence sensor (101); - the transmission of the status signal taking place on the tracking wire (102). 12. Method according to one or more? of the previous claims from 7 to 11, comprising a memorization of a given threshold time (T0) indicative of a permanence of the presence sensor (101) in the first state, said memorization being optionally carried out by the unit? data processing (100), the method comprising an electronic measurement step of a residence time (t) of the presence sensor (101) in said first state, optionally in which the residence time (t) ? a continuous and/or uninterrupted residence time of the presence sensor (101) in said first state and comprises the automatic execution of an electronic comparison between the threshold time (T0) and the residence time (t) of the presence sensor (101) in said first state; the transmission of said interruption signal for beverage containers (3) being carried out only when said residence time (t) exceeds the threshold time (T0). 13. Beverage vending machine (1), comprising: - a body which identifies a beverage dispensing area (4) intended to house a beverage container (3), - a dispensing device (6), configured to dispense a specific quantity? of a drink (2) in the drink container (3), - a?unit? control (10) for managing a dispensing of beverage containers (3), configured to dispense a beverage container (3) from a container storage portion towards the beverage dispensing area (4), - a control device (1000) according to one or more? of claims 1 to 6. 14. Machine according to claim 13, wherein the unit? (10) for managing the dispensing of beverage containers (3) comprises a servo actuator configured to pick up one beverage container (3) at a time from the container storage portion and to carry, or drop, the container for beverages (3) in the beverage dispensing area (4), in particular on the support surface (5) and where the unit? control (10) for managing the dispensing of beverage containers (3) ? configured to receive a beverage container dispensing stop signal (3) from the controller (1000); the beverage dispensing machine (1) comprising a unit? data processing (9) operationally connected with the? unit? of control (10) for the management of the dispensing of beverage containers (3), said unit? of data processing (9) being at least configured to control the activation of the unit? control (10) for managing the dispensing of beverage containers (3) so that? a beverage container (3) is picked up from the container storage portion to be carried towards, or dropped into, the beverage dispensing area (4); the unit? data processing (9) being directly connected with the? unit? of data processing (100) of the control device (1000) which ? interposed between the? unit? of data processing (9) itself and the unit? control (10) for managing the dispensing of beverage containers (3). 15. Computer program, adapted to be executed on an electronic processor, said computer program comprising portions of software code which, when executed, cause the execution of: - a step for identifying an activation of the beverage dispensing machine (1) to dispense a beverage; - a step for identifying the presence or absence of a container for drinks (3) by means of a presence sensor (101), said step for identifying the presence or absence of said container for drinks (3) comprising a electronic check of a state of the presence sensor (101), in particular an electronic check of whether the presence sensor (101) is in a first state determined, in use, by a presence of the beverage container (3), or in a second state determined, in use, by an absence of said beverage container (3); - a transmission, following the identification phase, of a signal for interrupting the dispensing of beverage containers (3) towards a unit? control system (10) for managing a delivery of beverage containers (3) of the beverage vending machine (1), said transmission taking place when said presence sensor (101) is ? in the first state; - an authorization phase, for the beverage dispensing machine (1), in particular for the unit? control system (10) for managing the dispensing of beverage containers (3), to distribute a beverage container (3) and to dispense said beverage (2) into the distributed beverage container (3), when the presence (101) ? in the second state.